Bicycle Network: Better Transport

Swanston Street Never Again A Traffic Sewer (Media Release)

 
12 December 2008. Lord Mayor Robert Doyle’s plan to pump cars into Swanston Street will fail.

Such is the outcry of opposition from the community that any attempt to ram through the change at next Tuesday’ Council meeting will surely collapse.

Bicycle Network Victoria is calling on bike riders to assemble at the Town Hall on Tuesday afternoon to signal to the Lord Mayor that we will not be turning back the grandfather clock.

“Twenty years ago Swanston Street was a notorious traffic sewer, choking the life out of the City,” Harry Barber, Bicycle Network Victoria Chief Executive said. “Now, with the cars mostly gone, we have a glimpse of what a great people-focused transportation and commercial spine it can become.

“The Lord Mayor’s attention should be on taking those few extra steps needed to get Swanston Street right so that bike riders, tram travelers and pedestrians can bring life, activity and commerce to the street.

“It is disappointing that the Lord Mayor seems to have missed the massive culture shift that is happening with the rapid move to bike transportation in Melbourne.

“The city and its leadership have to accept and adapt to this trend, otherwise Melbourne’s environment and economy will suffer.”

Mr Barber asked that bike riders drop by the Town Hall from 4:30 PM to “ring-in” the new Council with bike bells.

He said the Lord Mayor and councillors need encouragement to be forward-looking and responsive to change.

Lord Mayor Doyle had an opportunity to work with bike riders to transform the city in a positive way, and Bicycle Network Victoria is willing to help him, Mr Barber said.

“Swanston Street will be a test of the Council’s vision and resolve. If they get it right there will be tremendous opportunities to extend the model to other city thoroughfares.